Let me explain. Due to my weight at the time I got pregnant, my success rate for a VBAC was calcutated to be between 50 and 60%. Knowing that, we decided to proceed as planned. I had faith in myself and my body. Some pre-existing risk factors were that present were the fact that I'd had a previous cord prolapse. There is a small chance of that repeating, and then you end up in an emergency situation again. It was one of my biggest fears. Another risk factor was that I was dangerously close to approaching the "magic number" of grams that the baby could be before the midwives would refuse to attempt VBAC due to size. I had already surpassed it, if I were diabetic. With no signs of early labor, the midwife held my hand and assured me that in addition to the risk of cord prolapse, I would most certainly pass the magic number if I remained pregnant another week. I went to 41 weeks and was induced with Jeb, so the likelihood of going post date again was high. Then the shoulder dystocia. The risks there are a very painful, traumatic birth experience for mom, where baby's shoulders get stuck in the birth canal and have to be "manipulated" to get the baby out. Typically once the head is out, you are out of the woods, but since her belly measured larger, it wouldn't be the case if I were to attempt vaginal delivery. The risk to baby include death, similar to cord prolapse, the cord can get pinched between the shoulders during the labor. I recently became acquainted with a woman who had a 10 lber and went through a labor with shoulder dystocia. Her son is 6 months old and she still has not recovered from the traumatic experience. He was stuck for 15 minutes during her home birth, and she and baby had to go to the hospital after the birth. I knew as soon as the midwife said it, that it was going to be a no go, but explained what it meant to hubs and we decided together that an elective c-section, albeit unwanted, was the safest route to go.
After the midwife consulted with the doctor, her advice was confirmed, and because of how far along I was, the doctor ordered a non-stress test.The doctor also wanted to section me that day, but I refused. We needed at least the rest of the day to cope with the information and decision we'd made and make arrangements for my parents to drive the 300 miles out to care for Jeb while hubs and I were in the hospital. I was having a few small contractions, but nothing enough for them to send me up to labor and delivery to attempt a vaginal birth. My midwife offered to do a cervix check and see if I was dilated enough to consider an induction, but I refused. The last thing I wanted to hear was that my body was doing what it was supposed to this time and I couldn't proceed because I grow big babies. The midwife's final prescription was to go home and go out to dinner because I wouldn't be able to eat for a good long time due to the surgery. My surgery was scheduled for 10 am on Saturday, September 15th.
We had to get to the hospital at 6 am so I could be prepped. It was an interesting experience. One of the midwives was there to check in with me during prep. I had a great L&D nurse who shared my birthday and was also a pastor's wife. She was really sweet. It was hard waiting all that time. I was most scared of the spinal block. I hated how the anesthesiologist talked about how there would be tugging and pulling on my uterus. That's not exactly comforting for a person awaiting a c-section to hear. I was all ready to go and waiting for an O.R. to be cleaned for awhile. I guess it was a busy morning for baby delivery via c-section. They were ready to take me back when my L&D nurse came in and told me that they needed to draw one more blood sample because I had had a significant bleed during my last section. It was the first I had heard that. I really regret ever trusting my previous O.B. practice. I expected honesty and transparency. Oh well, they are out of my life for good. Finally it was time to go back. They were running a little behind. I was nervous because they started taking me back and my midwife was nowhere to be found. I asked for her once we got to the O.R. and they called her. She held my hand and helped me get through getting the spinal block. The worst part was the local anesthetic that was injected first. The hubs wasn't allowed to be with me when they did the spinal and got me prepped, but arrived in a white paper suit shortly after I was all ready. He kept saying "you're actually smiling." It was a lot less traumatic for me and I was excited that I'd be awake to meet my baby girl.
It is three weeks later, to the day, and we're adjusting to being a family of 4. Jeb had a rough start, but is getting a little better at realizing that Eliza's here to stay each day. He is generally gentle with her and he likes to give her kisses on her head and tweak her nose and say "ah-wooga!" We are getting decent sleep, but it doesn't feel like it with an active toddler in the house. We're running on coffee and prayers. Eliza's pretty easy going for the most part. She doesn't like to be laid in her swing or bouncy seat while she's awake, and her party hour seems to be from 3-6 am. She also won't take a pacifier. Her big brother won't give his up. Its a blessing and a curse that she doesn't take one. She didn't like her first bath and she doesn't really care for her carseat either. That is going to make for interesting trips across the state to visit family. The first of which we are conducting this week.
We aren't sure if our family is complete or not, but we know that we don't want anymore kids for awhile. I believe the hubs has a 2018 plan or something. We'll see how things go and re-evaluate as time passes. I would still love to attempt a VBAC if we should have more children, and hopefully the next one will be planned and I can be in good health physically and be a better candidate.
She is SOOO BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations!
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